26 October 2008

Germany Turns Down Full-Body Screening at Airports

On the matter of full-body security screening at airports, this is how Gabriele Hermani, a spokeswoman for the interior ministry put it: "I can tell you in all clarity that we will not take part in this nonsense."

Supporters of scanners say they make it easier to detect concealed objects such as liquids or plastic weapons not picked up by traditional metal detectors.

But the proposal has come under fire from German politicians of all stripes and civil rights groups.

"It is unacceptable, if scanners are used; these are machines that see you completely naked," said Martin Schulz, leader of the Socialist faction in the EU assembly on Thursday.

"This is an offence against human dignity."

Yea, well, paranoia is alive and well on this side of the pond. Ergo, apparently, human dignity be damned.

Chrystal Ocean: Social libertarian; democratic reformer; passionate activist for housing reform, especially for changes in property laws to be more inclusive of housing alternatives; atheist; founder of a group run by and for women in poverty, author of several blogs and a book. Contact | Complete profile

Daphne Moldowin: I have chosen a minimalist lifestyle, am a raw food vegan and an anti-capitalist. For me, less means more freedom: to rage against the machine and to speak my mind. I champion others who have small voices. Complete profile